Gradual release structures for chewing gum
Patent 4978537 Issued on December 18, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
April 19, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
April 19, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3028308 3201353 3329574 3435110 3737521 3795744 3818107 3923939 3928633 Disintegrating agent for tablets InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 340384 filed on 04/19/1989US Classes:426/5, Packaged, structurally defined, or coated426/96, Dry flake, dry granular, or dry particulate material426/97, Having mineral or inorganic substrate426/99, Triglyceridic material film former426/303, Plural distinct steps of coating426/307, By application of molten material426/310, Preserving426/548, Noncarbohydrate sweetener or composition containing same426/658Carbohydrate containingExaminersPrimary: Hunter, JeanetteAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassA23G 003/30ClaimsI claim:1. A chewing gum which comprises: a gum base; a water soluble bulk portion; and, a gradual release structure formed by melt spinning a mixture of active agent and spinnable polymeric wall material, having more than zero but less than about 55 percent by weight active agent, into a fiber, and cutting the fiber. 2. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the fiber is stretched. 3. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the active agent comprises aspartame. 4. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 15,000. 5. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 30,000. 6. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 80,000. 7. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the wall material comprises a blend of polyvinylacetates having molecular weights from about 15,000 to about 80,000. 8. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the gradual release structure can pass through a 60 mesh screen. 9. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the active agent comprises a high intensity sweetener. 10. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the active agent comprises alitame. 11. The chewing gum of claim 1 in which the active agent comprises Acesulfam-K. 12. A process for making chewing gum which comprises the steps of: a. preparing a gum base; b. preparing a water soluable bulk portion; c. preparing a gradual release structure which comprises the steps of: i. preparing a mixture of active agent and wall material, having more than zero but less than about 55 percent by weight active agent; ii. melt spinning the mixture into a fiber; and iii. cutting the fiber; and, d. combining the gradual release structure, the gum base and the water soluble bulk portion. 13. The process of claim 12 in which the active agent comprises Aspartame. 14. The process of claim 12 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 15,000. 15. The process of claim 12 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 30,000. 16. The process of claim 12 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 80,000. 17. The process of claim 12 in which the gradual release structure can pass through a 60 mesh screen. 18. The process of claim 12 in which the wall material comprises a blend of polyvinylacetates having molecular weights from about 15,000 to about 80,000. 19. The process of claim 12 in which the active agent comprises a high intensity sweetener. 20. The process of claim 12 in which the active agent comprises alitame. 21. The process of claim 12 in which the active agent comprises Acesulfam-K. 22. A process for making a chewing gum having a gradual release structure which comprises the steps of: preparing a gum base; preparing a water soluble bulk portion; preparing a mixture of Aspartame and wall material, having from about 10 percent by weight to about 25 percent by weight Aspartame; melt spinning the mixture to form a fiber; stretching the fiber; cutting the fiber; and combining the gum base, water soluble bulk portion and gradual release structure. 23. The process of claim 22 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 15,000. 24. The process of claim 22 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight of about 30,000. 25. The process of claim 22 in which the wall material comprises polyvinylacetate having a molecular weight from about 50,000 to about 80,000. 26. The process of claim 22 in which the wall material comprises a blend of polyvinylacetates having molecular weights from about 15,000 to about 80,000. 27. The process of claim 22 in which the gradual release structure can pass through a 60 mesh screen. Field of SearchDry flake, dry granular, or dry particulate materialHaving mineral or inorganic substrate Triglyceridic material film former NORMALLY NONINGESTIBLE CHEWABLE MATERIAL OR PROCESS OF PREPARATION Low-adhesive type Packaged, structurally defined, or coated Containing addition type polymer Noncarbohydrate sweetener or composition containing same Carbohydrate containing Plural distinct steps of coating By application of molten material Preserving |
